Palawan journalist laid to rest

ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines - Environment advocate and media practitioner Gerardo “Gerry” Ortega was finally laid to rest in his hometown of Aborlan, Palawan on Sunday, as his family continues to appeal for justice.

According to his daughter Nika, the family will have a hard time accepting what happened. She stressed, however, that they will continue to find out who ordered the killing of her father.

Ortega, who is also the program manager of the Philippine Ecotourism Palawan of the ABS-CBN Foundation, was shot dead in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan last Monday.

Police said he was killed by a bullet to the head.

They later arrested Marlon Dicamata de Chavez, alias Marvin Alcaraz, who admitted to having been hired to kill Ortega.

Meanwhile, the other suspect arrested on Saturday was finally brought to headquarters in Puerto Princesa.

Dennis Aranas, who acted as lookout for de Chavez, arrived with his arresting officers at the airport at around 9:00 on Sunday morning. He was later whisked to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

Aranas would not talk to the media. – from a report by Abner Mercado, ABS-CBN News